Office address: Suite 5, Level 1, Heards Building, 168 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Website: www.knowhow.co.nz
Year established: 2000
Company type: human resources services
Employees: 7
Expertise: human resources, employment relations, compliance management, mediation services, change management, strategic HR planning, workplace health and safety, employee training, HR systems implementation
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Sylvia Wood (director), Paige Palmer (HR adviser), Kerry West (practice executive), Ashley Sharp (head of legal), Sarah Byron-Wood (marketing and business development)
Financing status: N/A
Knowhow Limited NZ is based in Auckland and offers expert HR and employment relations services for small and medium-sized enterprises across New Zealand. They specialise in resolving complex issues and provide personalised advice using years of experience to align HR strategies with business goals. As members of the Employment Law Institute, they collaborate with legal professionals and mediators to deliver practical solutions.
Knowhow Limited NZ was founded in 2000 to help businesses navigate challenging employment relations issues with expert HR and ER solutions. The company began with a focus on understanding the unique needs of each client and delivering tailored and practical advice. It expanded over time to provide services for businesses of all sizes, including those with or without internal HR teams.
Their expertise covers everything from offering guidance on disputes to managing complex workplace restructuring and mediation. By creating custom agreements and policies, they helped businesses build positive employment relationships while minimising risks. Through a client-focused approach, they aim to ensure that HR strategies match with business goals and long-term success.
Knowhow Limited NZ offers an extensive range of HR and employment relations services. These include:
employment relations: addressing complex employment disputes and workplace challenges
HR compliance: making sure that firms stick to HR laws and regulations
HR audit: assessing and improving HR practices and systems
strategic HR: matching firms’ operational goals with HR strategies
mediation services: representing businesses in workplace conflict resolution
HR systems: implementing efficient HR management systems
change management: guiding businesses through organisational transitions
helpline services: providing support for everyday HR queries
training: delivering targeted training programs
health and safety: ensuring workplace safety and legal compliance
Knowhow Limited NZ complements its services with initiatives like a referral program that rewards new business leads. Their News and Views section keeps clients informed on employment relations, HR practices, and industry developments.
Knowhow Limited NZ values moments of connection and fun, such as team photo days and festive celebrations, which strengthen their collaborative and supportive work environment. They also prioritise mental wellbeing by sharing resources and fostering whānau connections during initiatives like Mental Health Awareness Week. Their commitment to community engagement extends to various causes, highlighting their dedication to creating a positive social impact:
Breast Cancer Awareness: supporting the fight against New Zealand’s leading cancer for women
Movember initiatives: raising funds for men’s health, including prostate and testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention
Mental Health Awareness: advocating for mental health as equally important as physical health during World Mental Health Day
inclusive support: aiding individuals with cochlear implants through Loud Shirt Day, benefiting The Hearing House and the Southern Cochlear Implant Program
Clients frequently commend Knowhow Limited NZ for their knowledgeable team and customised solutions that align with unique business needs. Their approachable experts are noted for easing HR challenges and delivering fair, compliant outcomes. Many businesses highlight the firm’s ability to provide effective and long-term value through customised support and high professional standards.
Sylvia Wood serves as the director of Knowhow Limited NZ and holds leadership roles with the New Zealand National Party and Employment Law Institute. She brings over 25 years of HR and employment relations expertise, including extensive experience in restructuring, mediation, and collective bargaining. An alum of the University of Otago, she is skilled in grievance management, performance improvement, and disciplinary processes.
The leadership team at Knowhow Limited NZ comprises experienced professionals who drive the company’s success through their specialised expertise and roles:
Paige Palmer serves as an HR advisor, focusing on employee engagement, compliance, and delivering tailored HR solutions for clients
Kerry West acts as Knowhow Limited NZ’s practice executive, managing client relations and ensuring seamless operations across service offerings
Ashley Sharp as head of legal oversees compliance and delivering legal insights for employment relations issues
Sarah Byron-Wood, marketing and business development, leads strategic initiatives and oversees client outreach and engagement efforts
Knowhow Limited NZ continues to support businesses across various industries by providing personalised employment relations and HR solutions. Recent activities include resolving complex cases, delivering customised agreements, and managing organisational restructures. These efforts reflect the company’s dedication to helping clients achieve their HR goals while fostering strong and long-term partnerships.
The firm recently launched a ‘Brands We Work With’ section on their website, showcasing strong partnerships across various industries. This addition highlights their collaboration with SMEs and reflects their commitment to supporting business growth through expertise in employment relations. Knowhow Limited NZ aims to build on its success by adding more modern features that enhance efficiency, address client challenges, and meet industry demands.
